During an interview in Alcobaça ahead of the X National Convention of the Liberal Initiative (IL) on July 19, Mariana Leitão emphasized the need for constitutional reform. She advocates for the removal of “ideological references” from the constitution and aims to facilitate “State reform” and ensure “a total separation of powers between entities.”
When questioned about relying on Chega’s votes for possible constitutional amendments, Leitão acknowledged that Chega was “democratically elected.”
“We have never taken the stance of voting against a proposal just because it comes from Party A. We assess proposals on their merits. If they are serious and practically applicable, they can count on our favorable vote,” she stated.
However, Leitão assured that the party would oppose any measures aimed at restricting or “undermining rights, freedoms, and guarantees” enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic.
“We will obviously vote against such proposals, as will many other parties. Consequently, the probability of them passing is nil. It is nil,” she affirmed.
Addressing whether IL would rule out negotiations with Chega on institutional matters, such as the election of Constitutional Court judges or the Ombudsman, Leitão conveyed that it is up to PSD to decide with whom they intend to negotiate these matters, which require a two-thirds majority that can only be achieved if PSD, PS, and Chega, or alternatively, PSD, PS, and IL, or PSD, Chega, and IL join forces.
“Who is PSD willing to negotiate with? Are there any red lines or not? That is the question. IL is open to listening to everyone,” she stated, highlighting that for IL, the issue is not just about party affiliations but also concerns the individuals proposed for each role.
On her vision for IL, Leitão expressed that, in light of the “profound political cycle change,” with parliament fragmentation, the end of bipartisan politics, and Chega’s rise as the main opposition party, IL needs to return to a “more combative logic” against populist phenomena.
“That’s what I want to revitalize: that irreverence that was very characteristic of us, a more combative spirit, because the times demand it,” she declared.
While not abandoning the party’s principles, the IL leadership candidate shared her intent to simplify the party’s message, which she admits is “technically dense” and “not always easy to explain”, aiming to convey to the Portuguese people that there is an alternative path, “neither through conformity nor easy populist solutions.”
There is “tremendous dissatisfaction among people, which makes them easily believe in potential miracle solutions and think: ‘Maybe this is the way.’ But it is not, as it leads to emptiness and inconsequence. What we want to show people is that there is a concrete path,” she said.
When asked if this combative spirit also applies to IL’s relationship with the Government, Leitão responded that it depends on what the executive is willing to do.
“Does the Government really want to do something for the country, or are they governing by barely changing anything to ensure a favorable outcome in the next elections in a few years? (…) What is required of the Government is action. If they take action, we will be here to propose and to help,” she commented, although she noted that the signals from the executive have been negative.
